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Following the march by the English Defence League in Luton on Saturday, the Labour leader of the council, Hazel Simmons, said she would have liked a message of support from the Prime Minister.

That's because Mr Cameron delivered a speech in Munich on the day of the demonstration about the "failure of multiculturalism" and encouraged us towards "muscular liberalism" to deal with extremism.

The timing of his remarks were considered by many in Luton to be at best unfortunate and at worst, playing into the hands of the EDL. Its leader quoted the comments - stating the Prime Minister "is saying what we say".

Although Ms Simmons accepted that the timing of the speech couldn't be helped, she would have liked the good wishes of the Prime Minister that all would pass off peacefully.

I visited Downing Street last night and was able to convey to Mr Cameron the feelings of Luton's council leader.

explained that the speech was arranged a long time ago and that it simply wasn't feasible to postpone it.

I explained that that was accepted but nonetheless there were still hopes that a way perhaps could have been found for an expression of support towards the town.

replied that the message had been taken on board.

Now the people of Luton wait to hear if they are to face the prospect of another march in July.

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